Arran’s tourist information centre in Brodick is to be axed following a strategic review by VisitScotland.
The closure is part of a major shift in strategy in how the national tourism organisation for Scotland operates and will result in the closure of all 25 of its iCentres by the end of March 2026.
VisitScotland’s hubs will all continue to operate as usual until the end of September this year then, following further discussions with stakeholders about future provision, it will begin a phased programme of closures.
It says the decision is due to ‘shifting consumer behaviours’ as most visitors now book accommodation and activities prior to arrival. To align with this, the organisation will now focus its efforts towards pre-arrival information where it can make a bigger impact and have a larger influence.
A VisitScotland spokesperson told the Arran Banner: “As part of our strategy to grow the visitor economy, we’re making changes to the way we provide visitor information. With the majority of people planning their holidays online, we’ll focus on influencing visitors at the planning stage before they leave home. This decision follows significant changes to the way people plan their holidays.
"This has led to a fall in demand for our iCentres with the majority of people now using online resources and travel specialists to plan and book all aspects of their trips. This includes arranging accommodation and activities, before they arrive at their destination.
“We’re responding to this shift through investing our expertise and resources in a digital-first strategy to increase Scotland’s share of global travel. We will target channels we know visitors use to inspire and influence where they go, when they come and what they do, ensuring Scotland is a ‘must visit, must return’ destination.”
The Brodick iCentre employs three permanent members of staff and two seasonal employees, who work from May to September each year.
The organisation says there will be no compulsory redundancies and that it will prioritise the well-being of its staff.
The spokesperson said: “Our staff are our priority throughout this change and we’re currently discussing options with each valued team member. There will be no compulsory redundancies. We are working closely with staff who work within our iCentres to offer a range of options including re-skilling, redeployment and voluntary redundancy.”
Chief executive of VisitArran Sheila Gilmore says she has accepted the announcement with a hint of resignation.
She said: “The news about Brodick iCentre will come as a surprise to many. Unfortunately, this is a sign of the times; online enquiries in the last 12 years have increased considerably and VisitArran now deals with thousands each year. Until Brodick iCentre closes, we will continue to work alongside our colleagues there."
Arran MSP Kenneth Gibson was equally pragmatic about the closures.
He said: “Change such as this is always difficult for the individuals directly impacted and I am pleased there will be no compulsory redundancies.
“These proposals will bring VisitScotland into line with VisitEngland and VisitWales, neither of which run any visitor iCentres.
“VisitScotland’s research shows that 99 per cent of visitors now book accommodation in advance of travelling, while more than two thirds of global travellers book their whole itinerary online, by social media or travel intermediaries, prior to arriving at their destination.
“Visit Scotland believe it will be more impactful in attracting people to Scotland and Arran by prioritising a digital first information model. It’s evolving with customer needs to ensure marketing, destination development, insights and events and investment deliver for communities that rely on tourism."
The exact closure date for the Arran iCentre has not been decided, however, it will shut before the end of March 2026 in its current guise. A number of factors will be taken into account before a decision is made on timings. These will include staffing, leasing and potential future provision considerations.
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